A considerable lift for High Point’s sagging economy:

Hooters of America Inc. confirmed to The High Point Enterprise at the first of the year that it would open its first restaurant in the city during 2007, but only recently fi nalized a deal for the lo­cation.

The High Point Hooters will open by the end of May or fi rst of June, and reno­vations to the building should begin by the end of the month.

“We have been very successful in Greensboro, Winston-Salem and Burl­ington and believe our new location in High Point will do just as well,” said Alexis Aleshire, public relations manag­er with Atlanta-based Hooters of Amer­ica Inc.

Hooters’ investment could range from $500,000 to $1.3 million, depending on the level of construction involved, Aleshire said.